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New Release: Dead of Winter

1/8/2021

38 Comments

 
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Today I'm pleased to host author Teagan R. Geneviene. A few days ago, she published her first installment of a new series entitled Dead of Winter. I finished the novella earlier this week and can attest that it's a winner. Intrigue, reverie, danger -- it's all there and in exquisite writing form. 

Teagan has graciously agreed to an interview, so we're going to learn a bit about the backstory. I've had a preview, and I suspect you're going to love it. 
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                                  Interview with author Teagan R. Geneviene​ 


Thank you, Teagan, for meeting with me today. I'm curious, what inspired you to write the story?
In late 2008 I accepted a job in Washington, DC and moved across the country.  I started writing Dead of Winter in the winter of 2009 – 2010.  I was still adjusting to a different culture and climate, both of which were colder.  That December, my ever-repeating thought was “It’s the dead of winter out there!”  I began research for a story inspired and titled by that thought.  Ha! Research geek is a title I claim for myself.  The more research I did, the more inspired I became.


You've certainly inspired me, but why do you refer to this novella as Journey 1? 
Dead of Winter is what I call a quest-type fantasy, a high fantasy.  Most of the locations in Emlyn’s world are inspired by pre-industrial Great Britain and Europe, and a few farther-flung places in the real world.  I also researched all the names of the many characters and places so they would be reminiscent of those places.  I loved the research of creating that part.  More than 300 places and characters are mentioned in the overall story.  I call the installments Journeys, because the characters travel across this complex world.


​Since your protagonist sees ghosts, I just have to ask, have you seen one?
Well… yes.  Lots.  That answer would be a whole interview in itself.  So, I’ll just say that I felt I had to “close the door” on that kind of thing when I took the job in DC.  Maybe that was another inspiration for this story.  I had long wanted to write a novel about a woman who could communicate with spirits.  When Emlyn’s character came to me, the story had to be about a young girl, rather than a woman.


Having just read Forlorn Peak, I'm eagerly awaiting the next journey. Can you give us a glimpse of where it might take us?
How wonderful that you asked! High fantasy stories tend to escalate gradually.  Most of Emlyn’s life has been spent at her family’s apple orchard, with occasional visits to their village, Llyn Coombe. Or, of course, her recent lessons with Osabide who lives at the foot of Forlorn Peak, a short walk away.  In Journey 2, Emlyn goes to a neighboring village, Penllyn.  Emlyn thinks it’s strange for her father to let her go with him — and we have to wonder why he did!
The effects of the Brethren’s influence become an even greater concern.  We also meet more members of the Society of Deae Matres, including their most mysterious adherent.  Emlyn’s exploration of the wide world is only just beginning.
​


What do you hope readers experience while reading the Dead of Winter series?
The Film Courage interview videos (available on YouTube) have been part of my continuous learning. I wouldn't know how to format a screenplay, but the content applies to novels. One interviewee spoke about the importance of knowing how you want the audience to feel at the end. I think that's terrific advice -- I just don't always know the answer to the question, and that’s my downfall.

I want readers to finish with a wanderlust to continue their exploration of more and different fantasy worlds.  I want them to keep thinking of the stories that might happen in Emlyn’s world long after they’ve finished the concluding journey of Dead of Winter.  The greatest compliment I can get is when people tell me that they still think of a story, or imagine themselves in it.

Wow, thank you, Teagan. Your story earned 5-stars from me, and I often find myself thinking about it. 

The trailer for Dead of Winter: 
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Journey 2
A note from Teagan: 

I can’t be exact about the monthly publication dates, but if you follow me at my Amazon Author Page, they should send an email whenever the next Journey publishes.  By the way, I follow many authors there, and have never gotten any spam email as a result.

Universal Purchase Links: 
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Amazon Author Page
:
 relinks.me/TeaganRiordainGeneviene

Kindle:  relinks.me/B08RBBVRGX
​

Paperback:  relinks.me/B08R7RH4F5

Teagan R. Geneviene

38 Comments
Harmony Kent link
1/8/2021 03:54:50

Congrats on the release of Dead of Winter book 1, Teagen. And best of luck with the next books in the series. I enjoyed the interview :)

Gwen, it's lovely to see Teagen here :)

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Gwen M Plano
1/8/2021 04:16:39

Thank you so much, Harmony. I loved this first Journey and look forward to the next. 🙂

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Teagan R. Geneviene
1/8/2021 08:47:02

Thank you kindly, Harmony. Hugs on the wing.

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Joan Hall link
1/8/2021 04:38:42

Congrats on the new release, Teagan. This sounds like a fantastic read. Loved the trailer.

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Gwen M Plano
1/8/2021 05:05:17

Thank you for visiting, Joan. I loved the trailer as well. I'm looking forward to the unfolding series. 😊

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Teagan R. Geneviene link
1/8/2021 08:50:27

It's lovely to see you, Joan. Thanks for your feedback about the trailer. Hugs on the wing.

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Staci Troilo link
1/8/2021 04:52:59

Great job on the trailer, Teagan, and congratulations on the new release. Loved the interview.

Thanks for hosting, Gwen.

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Gwen M Plano
1/8/2021 05:07:03

Thank you for stopping by, Staci. I loved the first installment and look forward to reading Journey 2.

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Teagan R. Geneviene link
1/8/2021 08:51:51

What a lovely surprise to see you, Staci. I hope all is well in your world. Thanks so much about the trailer. Gwen is a wonderful host. Hugs!

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Jill Weatherholt link
1/8/2021 05:30:48

Fantastic interview, ladies! Congratulations to Teagan on her release. She did a great job on the trailer. So many talents! Thanks for hosting, Gwen.

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Gwen M Plano
1/8/2021 06:21:06

Thank you, Jill. I loved the interview as well. I learned so much! I hope you have a marvelous day! 💗

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Teagan R. Geneviene link
1/8/2021 08:52:48

Jill, you're a gem to make the rounds. I appreciate your support. Gwen's questions are wonderful. Hugs!

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John Howell link
1/8/2021 08:40:42

Great interview, Teagan and Gwen. The best to Teagan on this are adventure. 😊

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Teagan R. Geneviene link
1/8/2021 08:53:54

John, I was so delighted when Gwen offered to host. Thank you for joining us. I'm looking forward to visiting with you, Lucy, and Twiggy too. Hugs on the wing!

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Gwen M Plano
1/8/2021 11:02:48

Thank you, John. I am so pleased to host Teagan today and to follow her incredible series. 💗

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Teagan R. Geneviene link
1/8/2021 08:45:57

Good morning, Gwen! It's such a treat to visit with you. I was happily surprised when you offered to help with the Dead of Winter launch. The post you've made and the unique interview questions -- I'm just thrilled. Thank you so very much for being a wonderful host.

I'm happy to answer any new or follow-on questions readers ask here. Your questions lead to great conversations.
Hugs on the wing!

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Gwen M Plano
1/8/2021 11:10:12

It's my pleasure, Teagan. I loved the first journey and look forward to each of the others. BTW, I think your approach (with separate journeys) is brilliant. All the best with your tour! ✨💗✨

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Robbie Cheadle
1/8/2021 08:54:38

Thank you for sharing this lovely post, Gwen. I am going to start reading this first episode tonight. Have a lovely weekend.

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Gwen M Plano
1/8/2021 11:04:04

Thank you for visiting, Robbie. I think you'll love the first journey. I sure did. All the best! 💗

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Teagan R. Geneviene
1/8/2021 09:14:28

Hi Robbie. That's music to my ears. I really hope you enjoy it. I'm hard at work on Journey-2, Penllyn.
Keep enjoying your amazing vacation. Hugs!

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D.L. Finn
1/8/2021 10:07:26

I enjoyed learning more about your story, Teagan. Fun interview and its up next on my reading list!
Thanks for hosting, Gwen:)

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Gwen M Plano
1/8/2021 11:05:40

Thank you, Denise. It is my pleasure to host Teagan. I read the first journey and look forward to reading the next. All the best! 💗

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Teagan R. Geneviene
1/8/2021 13:54:19

Denise, I'm excited that you plan to read Journey 1. It lays the groundwork, but has some suspense too. Many thanks for visiting here. Gwen's questions were such fun. Hugs on the wing!

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CS Boyack
1/8/2021 10:18:17

I always enjoy a good interview. We get to learn more about the authors than what the story is about.

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Gwen M Plano
1/8/2021 11:06:34

I'm with you, Craig. I love knowing more about the writer. It always enriches the story. Thank you! 🙂

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Teagan R. Geneviene
1/8/2021 13:55:31

Gwen's questions were brilliant, and brought out aspects of the story that are completely different from other interviews.
Thanks very much for reading and commenting. Hugs on the wing!

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Patricia Alderman link
1/8/2021 12:28:12

Gwen, I'm impressed with the questions you asked Teagan. I learned a lot about her background and process that I had not even imagined. Teagan, you are a rose, an onion, or head of lettuce--what I mean is a complex thing that has to be revealed layer by layer. Each layer becomes more fascinating.

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Gwen M Plano
1/8/2021 12:47:01

My goodness, thank you, Patricia. Little bit by little bit, Teagan reveals her wonderful complexity. 💗

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Patricia Alderman link
1/8/2021 17:52:59

Yes, she does.

Teagan R. Geneviene
1/8/2021 13:59:18

LOL, Pat -- I have a sudden craving for salad. :) I've been compared to an onion before, and take it as the greatest compliment. It was great fun to be interviewed by you too. I love how people are asking different questions without any prompting from me.
Hugs on the wing!

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Patricia Alderman link
1/8/2021 17:53:43

The questions have been fascinating. Hugs flapping their way back to you.

Jan Sikes
1/8/2021 13:33:00

I love this interview with Teagan! She shares some intimate details that lead into this new story. Congrats, Teagan, and thank you for hosting, Gwen!

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Teagan R. Geneviene
1/8/2021 14:00:46

You are so kind, Jan -- thank you for reading and leaving this lovely comment. Hugs on the wing!

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Gwen M Plano
1/8/2021 14:58:07

Thank you for the lovely comment, Jan. It's a pleasure hosting Teagan.

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Jacqui Murray link
1/9/2021 09:00:17

Congratulations to Teagan on this book with such a gorgeous cover. Best of luck with it!

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Teagan R. Geneviene
1/9/2021 17:57:04

Thank you kindly, Jacqui. It's one of my favorite covers. Hugs!

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Vashti Q link
1/12/2021 12:46:30

Congratulations again, Teagan! I enjoyed the Q & A and book trailer. Thanks for hosting Gwen! :)

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Teagan R. Geneviene
1/12/2021 13:32:04

Vashti, it's so nice to see you here. I'm delighted you enjoyed the trailer. Gwen's questions were unique and a joy to answer. I'm delighted with how personal she made this post fee. Be well, be happy. Hugs on the wing!

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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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